Senior Researcher: Energy Economics at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job: 

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Senior Researcher in the Energy Centre within the Smart Places cluster. The incumbent will be responsible for supporting energy economic modelling research area within the CSIR Energy Centre. This research area will gather, create and provide objective information and analysis on energy economics. This will include developing economic models for different energy sources and systems. The incumbent also support the translation of CSIR energy-related research into direct and tangible recommendations for South African industries on how they should position themselves in the energy value chain, and for South African policymakers on how to support South African energy industries and plan and execute a just energy transition.

Key responsibilities:

• Responsible for financial and economic modelling for the energy sector (Techno-economics development);
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative research techniques in the energy sector; 
• Assist in forming the research agenda/plan for the Just Energy Transition (JET) in the Energy Centre;
• Provide thought-leadership on possible strategy interventions for growing the South African energy industry, specifically in the renewable energy domain; 
• Advise both internal and external (public and private) industries on the best positioning in the energy value chain localisation;
• Participate in development of the CSIR “Optimal Local Content” programme to continuously determine optimal local content levels for different energy technologies;
• Compile technical reports for clients in the energy sector;  
• Establish and maintain relationships/partnership with other leaders locally and globally;
• Assist in collecting data for purposes of economic modelling;
• Developing economic models to determine job creation, economic growth and supporting benefits of low-carbon energy technologies;
• Prepare and deliver presentations to communicate results of studies;
• Source and manage contract research and development and ensure adherence to schedule and budget;
• Support CSIR business development through identifying energy industry services for the research group;
• Support the energy industry research agenda (Energy Industry Support and Just Energy Transition Research).

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• An Honours degree in energy economics, economics, science or engineering with at least six years’ working experience in the energy sector, of which three years’ should be in the green economy sector or energy industry development support or energy transition domain or energy-related projects in biogas, solar PV, wind, green hydrogen etc.
• A Master’s degree will be advantageous;
• Experience in the South African renewable energy industry / renewable energy sources;
• Experience in an economic modelling, energy utility, government, consulting, or economic analysis environment;
• Strong network in the public and private sector as links to the Green Economy/ Energy Industry/ Energy Transition contract R&D funding opportunities;
• Ability to draft proposals, attract funding and lead project teams;
• Experience in Computable General Equilibrium  (CGE) or Social Accounting Matrices (SAM) modelling will be advantageous; 
• Experience in macro-economic impact analysis will be advantageous;
• Experience with Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises will be advantageous.   
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).   

Closing date: 19 January 2024